Protecting the Royal Idiot

Protecting the Royal Idiot - Chapter 14

Last day of winter break... I consider it D: and :D at the same time.

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Chapter 14

It felt a little awkward, being in my uniform again, after about two weeks of not wearing it. Of course, I've worn my combat boots several times during the week, so I'm used to those. As for the rest of the uniform, I feel all manly and weird again. I scowled. Although, Alan seemed to be pretty excited about being in his uniform again.

Oh, and to add to the awkwardness I felt, I had to wear this super informal outfit in the super fancy dining hall of Ryan's girlfriend's mansion. I also felt about twenty pounds heavier, since Alan and I both had to carry a machine gun and a pistol each. We were also given bulletproof vests to wear.

"Psst." I elbowed Alan in the side. He winced and looked down at me. "What?" he whispered back. I gestured to Ryan's girlfriend. Oh hey, she's wearing a cute dress. I want one! "What's her name again?" I whispered. Alan thought for a moment.

"Darlene," he said. Oh right. That's her name. I nodded.

"There's my hunky man!" Darlene said suddenly, throwing her hands into the air. Alan and I both chuckled at the same time. I swear, if we weren't covering our mouths, we would've fallen into a laughing heap. I saw Ryan grimace, and then smile quickly.

"Hey," he said simply. Alan and I finished our mini laugh attack and straightened ourselves.

"Sooo," Darlene said flirtatiously, walking her fingers up Ryan's arm. He looked extremely bored.

"Dinner!" Darlene stomped her foot and scowled. Ryan happily walked over to the dining table and sat down. He reached over and pulled out a chair for Darlene. She blew him a kiss and sat down. I rolled my eyes.

"A toast," Ryan's dad, the king, stood up, "to the two lovebirds!"

Everyone else at the table stood up. They all let out a collective cheer and clinked their glasses. I twisted my mouth to the side. What kinda toast was that? Who makes a toast to the "two lovebirds"? And isn't the toast supposed to be done after the toast? I guess I'll never understand British culture. Or maybe, it's because the only toast I've ever seen my parents perform was downing a glass of champagne on new year's eve. They didn't even make a toast to anything, though.

"Ryan," the king said suddenly. He was staring hard at Ryan. Ryan wrinkled his nose, as if in disgust, and reached into his pocket. He pulled out the little velvet box. I held my breath.

Ryan took Darlene's hand and led her away from the table, so everyone could see what was going on. Darlene tried to look confused, but she sucked at playing dumb. I could tell she knew what was about to happen. Ryan glanced at me, and our eyes met for a second. I just looked away.

"Darlene," Ryan said, holding out the velvet box and getting on one knee. Darlene gasped theatrically and covered her mouth with her hand. She looked ready to burst into tears. Of course, she'd do just that after the proposal.

"I, Ryan Adams," Ryan started. I pressed my lips together and held my breath. Wait, why am I holding my breath? I don't even like Ryan, I reminded myself. Sure, he's cute. Whatever. It's not like I like him just 'cuz of that. And even though he makes me laugh, his personality is just...

"Have to tie my shoe," Ryan said loudly. He put the velvet box down and reached down to tie his shoelaces. Darlene frowned and took her hand away from her mouth. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently.

"And," Ryan added, "I have to break up with you."

I don't know why, but I mentally cheered.

~~~

"G'job, mate," Alan said, smacking Ryan on the back. I guess Ryan informed Alan too about his pre-proposal doubts. I gave Ryan a quick thumbs-up. The three of us walked out to the backyard. Ryan led us through the gate.

"Can we actually do the maze this time?" I asked. Ryan glanced at me over his shoulder and smirked. I thought he was gonna say something about my childish question, but he just nodded. I marched out in front of the rest of the group.

"Go left," Ryan said.

"Go right," Alan said at exactly the same time.

I rolled my eyes and just kept going straight. Any idiot could see that the fountain was right ahead.

We finished the maze and ended up in the middle, where the fountain was. We all sat on the edge, taking in the bright sunlight.

"I just remembered!" Alan said, springing onto his feet. "I was supposed to call my family today!" I wrinkled my nose at the thought of my own family. As Alan jogged back inside, Ryan chuckled. I looked at him curiously. "What?"

"I suppose we're both disgusted with our families right now," he said. I held up a hand for a high five.

"That's not something to high five over, but alright," Ryan said, half-smiling. I couldn't help but smile back at him. I was in an inexplicably good mood at the moment.

"You're in a good mood," Ryan commented. I grinned and nodded. I closed my eyes and sighed happily.

"I don't know why. I just am. Maybe I'm happy for you," I said. I heard Ryan chuckle. Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me. Ryan pulled me toward him. I opened my eyes and curled up sheepishly.

"Very cute," I said sarcastically, trying to push Ryan away. The thing is, I didn't try to hard, because I kinda liked being there, close to Ryan.

"You're cute," Ryan replied.